Construction of New Border Wall Advances, Threatening Iconic Cacti
In the rugged terrain of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, located southwest of Tucson, construction crews are progressing with the building of a second border wall, resulting in the removal of numerous saguaros. Recent video footage captures the aftermath, showing a prominent saguaro cactus uprooted, its pale green trunk stark against the surrounding landscape of felled vegetation.
Russ McSpadden, who serves as the southwest border conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, documented the scene on September 23. In his footage, wall contractors are seen clearing large areas of vegetation to accommodate a new 30-foot steel bollard wall, mirroring efforts from 2020 when thousands of saguaros were removed for a similar construction project.
While some saguaros were relocated during the initial wall construction, McSpadden notes that the survival rate was low. Those that endured are now facing another relocation, further reducing their chances of survival. “The few that did survive are being transplanted again, so exponentially less chance of survival for those saguaros,” McSpadden remarked.
Additionally, the Tohono O’odham Nation has expressed concerns, stating that they have been informed about the planned removal of thousands of saguaros on their tribal land as part of the construction efforts. This development stems from the Trump administration’s initiative to erect over 200 miles of dual steel walls along the Arizona-Mexico border.
—
Read More Arizona News
